Surrey man accused of elbowing Syrian man in the face at-large

Surrey RCMP is investigating an unprovoked assault in Newton on an 18-year-old Syrian man.

Shortly before noon on Nov. 16th, Surrey RCMP was called to the 13700 block of 72nd Avenue after the assault occurred.

The Syrian, who was a recent immigrant from Syria, was allegedly elbowed in the face by the suspect for no apparent reason. Police arrived on scene after the suspect had fled.

The victim suffered minor injuries.

Police have obtained a surveillance photo of the suspect, and they are asking for the public’s help in identifying him.

“A simple assault can have a profound impact on a new person to the country,” says Corporal Scotty Schumann in a press release.

“At a recent Surrey RCMP Diversity Unit event for refugees and immigrants, Sergeant Ray Stanford reached out to the family of the victim to offer support and updates. This was completely foreign to the family and appreciated,” said Schumann.

Police ask anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file# 2017-163917.

If you wish to make an anonymous report contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.